The Early Years Foundation Stage
We have a large Early Years Unit including Reception classes and our Nursery which caters for children from 2 – 5 years old. We all work according to the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Early Years Foundation Stage has six areas of learning.
It is the framework of the development of the child from birth to 5 years old. Your child is now at the important stage of Early Years Education. He/she will be learning and gaining experience through structured and independent child initiated activities.
“Play is child’s work”
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
Communication and Language
involves giving children opportunities to speak and listen in a range of situations and to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves.
Physical Development
involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive, and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
Literacy Development
involves encouraging children to read and write, both through listening to others reading, and being encouraged to begin to read and write themselves. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials – for example books, poems, and other materials to ignite their interest.
Maths Development
involves providing children with opportunities to practise and improve their skills in counting numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems, and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
Understanding of the World
involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.
Expressive Arts and Design
involves supporting children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role play, and design and technology.